Smart light source with integrated operational parameters data storage capability

ABSTRACT

A light source having a light generator, a sensor for sensing operational parameters of the light generator, and a light source data storage device integrated with the light generator and operatively coupled to the sensor, for storing operating data correlated to the operational parameters of the light emitter. The light source also typically has a light source housing, to which are mounted the light generator, the sensor and the light source data storage device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of light emitting devices,and in particular, to replaceable bulbs, lamps and other light emitters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Specialized light emitting devices, such as those used inphotocuring applications, frequently utilize replaceable light sourceswhich have been designed to emit light within specified parameters,under certain standard operating conditions. Such light sources aretypically engineered to rigid standards, and as such are expensive tomanufacture and purchase.

[0003] These types of light sources also frequently possess a limitedoperational lifespan in which the generated light meets acceptableparameters. This lifespan can be shortened by operating the lightemitter under non-optimal conditions. The quality of the generated lightcan also be affected by operating under less than ideal operatingconditions.

[0004] For example, in the context of an arc lamp, the operatingtemperature of the anode and cathode can affect the qualities of thelight emitted, as well as the lamp's operational lifespan. Similarly,the temperature of the lamp at the time of striking (or restriking) ofthe lamp can also affect the lamp's performance.

[0005] The performance, including lifespan, of specialized lightemitters is typically guaranteed by the manufacturer. Because suchemitters tend to be expensive, occasionally they are returned to themanufacturer with a request for a free replacement or otherconsideration on the basis that the emitter failed to perform withinspecified parameters for its guaranteed lifespan. Such claims aregenerally impossible to verify by the manufacturer, since themanufacturer cannot confirm either the number of operating hours theemitter has undergone, or whether the conditions under which the lightsource was operated conformed to specifications.

[0006] Similarly, different emitters having different outputcapabilities may be used interchangeably within the same device, fordifferent applications. When emitters are interchanged for differentapplications and stored for later use, it can be difficult for a user toascertain how many operating hours a particular emitter has performed,and hence to predict its remaining useful operational life.

[0007] There is accordingly a need for a light source which storesoperational data correlated to its operational life. In addition, theinventor(s) have recognized a need for apparatus which retrieves anddisplays the stored operational data from the light source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed towards a light source, for usein a light emitting device, which stores operational data correlated toits operational life.

[0009] The subject light source comprises a light generator, a sensorfor sensing operational parameters of the light generator, and a lightsource data storage device integrated with the light generator andoperatively coupled to the sensor, for storing operating data correlatedto the operational parameters of the light emitter. The light sourcealso typically has a light source housing, to which are mounted thelight generator, the sensor and the light source data storage device.

[0010] The subject invention is also directed towards a light emittingdevice in combination with the light source. The light emitting deviceincludes a device housing, and a socket for releasably engaging thelight source, the socket being mounted to the device housing. The lightemitting device also has a controller operatively coupled to the socket,the controller comprising means for retrieving the operating data fromthe light source data storage device. Additionally, the light emittingdevice has a power source mounted to the device housing and operativelycoupled to the controller.

[0011] Additionally, the subject invention is directed towards a lightsource for use in a light emitting device having a controller fordetermining operational parameters of the light source. The light sourcehas a housing and a light generator mounted within the housing. Thelight source also has a light source data storage device mounted to thehousing and adapted to operatively couple to the controller, forreceiving and storing operating data from the controller correlated tothe operational parameters of the light source.

[0012] The subject invention is further directed towards a light sourcereader in combination with the light source. The light source reader hasa reader housing, a socket for releasably engaging the light source,wherein the socket is mounted to the reader housing, a controlleroperatively coupled to the socket, the controller comprising means forretrieving the operating data from the light source data storage device.The reader also has a power source mounted to the reader housing andoperatively coupled to the controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the following drawings, in which like referencenumerals refer to like parts and in which:

[0014]FIG. 1A is a side view of a light source made in accordance withthe present invention.

[0015]FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the storage device of FIG. 1A.

[0016]FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the bit allocation of thenonvolatile operational parameters memory of the storage device of FIG.1B.

[0017]FIG. 1D is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a lightsource made in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 1E-1N are side views of further alternate embodiments of alight source made in accordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a light emitting device madein accordance with the present invention, with the top cover removed andhaving the light source of FIG. 1A operationally mounted within it.

[0020]FIG. 2B is a front view of the control data interface of thedevice of FIG. 2A.

[0021]FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the controller from the lightemitting device of FIG. 2A.

[0022]FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a handheld light emittingdevice made in accordance with the present invention, in combinationwith the light source of FIG. 1D.

[0023]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a reader made in accordance with thepresent invention, in combination with the light source of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1A, illustrated therein is a first embodimentof the light source of the subject invention. The light source, in thiscase an arc lamp, shown generally as 10, comprises a light sourcehousing 12, a reflector 14 (preferably parabolic in shape), a lamp 16, aceramic lamp base 18, and a light source data storage device 20. As willbe understood by one skilled in the art, the lamp 16 comprises an anode22 and a cathode 24.

[0025] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the light sourcedata storage device 20 (frequently a circuit board), typically comprisesan integrated circuit chip 26 having non-volatile, writable data storagecapabilities, such as the EEPROM (electrically erasable programmableread-only memory) programmable digital thermostat chip no. DS1821S,manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation. Chip 26 hasnonvolatile data storage operational parameters memory 28, which willcontinue to store data even when power is not supplied to the chip 26.In the case of the DS1821S chip, the available memory for operationalparameters storage purposes is limited to 16 bits of storage, originallyintended to store data relating to maximum and minimum temperaturevalues. The chip 26 only has a single pin for inputting and outputtingdata, and utilizes a one-wire communications protocol, as will beunderstood by one skilled in the art.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1C, the thirteen lowest order bits B0-B12 of theoperational parameters memory 28 are used to store run-time data 29 (inbinary) correlated to the number of run-time hours the light source 10has been energized to emit light energy. Thirteen bits are able torepresent values ranging from 0 to 9191, in binary. However, arc lampsand other light sources are typically only rated to operate withinspecified parameters for approximately one thousand to four thousandhours. Accordingly, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, forgreater run-time accuracy, the value of the run-time data may directlycorrelate to the number of fifteen minute or half hour intervals ofrun-time operation, as appropriate.

[0027] The three highest order bits B13-B15 are reserved as conditionflags 31, each of which is originally set to ‘0’ during manufacturing ofthe chip 26, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Maximumtemperature bit B13 is set to ‘1’ if the maximum operating temperatureof the light source 10 has been exceeded during operation. Prematuretermination bit B14 is set to ‘1’ if the light source 10 is energized toemit light energy for less than two minutes before the light source 10is deenergized. Light source failure bit B15 is set to ‘1’ if the lightsource 10 shuts off prematurely during a light generation period, whichmay occur for example as a result of a voltage spike from the powersupply. The storage device 20 is preferably mounted to the light sourcehousing 12, typically through the use of a high temperature, thermallyconductive adhesive compound on the lamp base 18. The storage device 20also comprises power 30, ground 32 and data input/output 34 leads.

[0028] The storage device 20 also comprises a sensor 36 for sensing thelamp's 16 temperature, as well as temperature memory 38 for storing datacorrelated to the sensed temperature.

[0029] For clarity of understanding, it should be understood thatreference to a “light generation period” is intended to mean the periodof time from the point at which energy is supplied to the lamp 16energizing it and causing it to generate light energy, to the point atwhich the supply of power to the lamp 16 is terminated.

[0030]FIG. 1D shows an alternative embodiment of the light source, showngenerally as 50. The light source 50 (an arc lamp), comprises a lightsource housing 52, a reflector 54 (preferably parabolic in shape), alamp 56, a ceramic lamp base 58, a light source data storage device 60,and an anode 62 and cathode 64.

[0031] The light source data storage device 60 comprises a non-volatileRAM (random access memory) chip 66 (or similar non-volatile writablememory) which may typically possess at least 1K (kilobyte) ofaddressable memory. With such an extensive quantity of data storageavailable, the data storage device 60 is capable of storing moredetailed information with respect to the operating parameters of thelight source 50, than the data storage device 20 of FIG. 1A.Additionally, the data storage device 60 also comprises multiple I/O(input/output) leads 68, as well as power 70 and ground 72 leads.

[0032] Data storage 60 preferably stores such operational parameterssuch as the number of light generation periods the light source 50 hasundergone, as well as the duration of each generation period, the totalamount of time of all the generation periods (also referred to herein asthe total run-time), and the light source's 50 temperature at thecommencement of each generation period, as well as the light source's 50temperature over time (if sufficient memory is available). Additionally,the data storage 60 will preferably store data relating to the operationof the light source 50 outside of specified parameters. Such datapreferably includes the number of light generation periods during whichthe temperature of the light source 50 exceeded the maximum operatingtemperature. Additionally, such data will preferably include the numberof occasions on which the lamp 56 was struck (or restruck) when thetemperature of the lamp 56 exceeded specified parameters for striking orrestriking (if the controller of the light emitting device used with thelight source is not programmed to prevent such occurrences), the numberof light generation periods that were less than two minutes in duration,the number of times the lamp 56 failed to strike when energized (ifany), and the number of times that the lamp 56 self-extinguished or shutoff prematurely during a light generation period (which may occur forexample as a result of a voltage spike from the power supply).

[0033] It should be understood that while light sources 10, 50 of thefirst and alternative embodiments are illustrated and described as beingarc lamps, other types of light sources could be used for differenttypes of applications, and which are subject to the current invention.Such light sources may include light emitting semiconductors (such asLEDs), incandescent light bulbs, halogen bulbs, and fluorescent bulbs(either singly or in groups).

[0034] While it is anticipated that typically only replaceable lightsources which are relatively expensive to purchase (and replace) will beused in the current invention, it should be understood that any type oflight source in which it is important to monitor and store datacorrelating to the operational parameters of the light source may beused and is intended to be included in the present invention.Furthermore, the use of the term “light source” herein is not intendedto be limited to generators of visible light-generators of infrared andultraviolet radiation are also intended to be included within the scopeof “light source”.

[0035] Illustrated in FIGS. 1E-1N are side views of further alternateembodiments of a light source made in accordance with the presentinvention. Such further alternate embodiments include a single LED 82(FIG. 1E) or 84 (FIG. 1F), an array 86 (FIG. 1G) or 88 (FIG. 1H) of LEDs90, an incandescent light bulb 92 (FIG. 1I) or 94 (FIG. 1J), a halogenbulb 96 (FIG. 1K) or 97 (FIG. 1L) or a fluorescent bulb 98 (FIG. 1M) or99 (FIG. 1N). Such alternative embodiments include a storage device 20or 60, similar to the storage devices 20, 60 of FIGS. 1A and 1C.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, illustrated therein is alight emitting device, shown generally as 100, with the light source 10operationally coupled to the device 100. Light emitting device 100 isgenerally similar to standard industrial light curing devices, such asthat shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,392, issued to Kennedyet al., with differences which are apparent from the discussion below.

[0037] Light emitting device 100 comprises a device housing 102, a powersupply 104, a controller 106, a control data interface 108, a coolingmechanism 110, and an emitter 112.

[0038] The light source 10 is removably mounted within the lightemitting device 100. The light source 10 is mounted to the light emitter112 using a socket 114 adapted to receive the light source 10, and theanode 22 and cathode 24 pins (not visible) are operatively coupled to alamp ballast 113 (which receives power from the power supply 104). Inaddition, the power 30, ground 32 and the data 34 leads are operativelyconnected to the controller 106 via an electrical connector 116. As willbe understood, the controller 106 converts power supplied by the powersupply 104 to a voltage level which the chip 26 requires to operate.

[0039] As will be also understood by one skilled in the art, the emitter112 has a clamp 118 or similar means for mounting the light source 10 inproper optical alignment with the emitter 112. The emitter 112 alsoincludes a bandpass filter 120, a shutter mechanism 122, and a lightguide 124.

[0040] The power supply 104 may include an electrical cord 126 forconnection to a standard electrical outlet, or other means such as abattery capable of providing sufficient electrical energy, in suchmanner as would be understood by one skilled in the art. Power supply104 carefully regulates the power supplied to the light source 10 and tothe cooling mechanism 110, in accordance with control signals from thecontroller 106, as described in greater detail, below. As will beunderstood, the power supplied to the light source 10 is preferablyindependent from the power supplied to the cooling mechanism 110.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2B, the control data interface 108 preferablycomprises a display 128 and an input panel 130. As will be understood inthe art, the display 128 will typically be an LCD (liquid crystaldisplay) or LED (light emitting diode) panel capable of displayingalphanumeric data to the user, and the input panel 130 typicallycomprises a combination of command buttons, such as start/stop 134(which initiates/terminates a light emitting period when light isemitted through the light guide 124), lamp power on/off 136 and displaymode 138 (which selects the type of data to be displayed on the panel130, such as current light source 10 temperature, total light source 10run time hours, length of current light generation period, length ofcurrent light emitting period, etc.), as well as several soft keys 140,through which the user is able to input command signals to thecontroller 106 typically with respect to the nature and duration of alight emitting period(s). Similar types of control data interfaces areknown in the art.

[0042] As should be understood, arc lamps similar to the light source 10generate significant amounts of heat when energized. Additionally, arclamps may be damaged by striking or restriking when the lamp is too hot.If a lamp is permitted to remain energized when its temperature becomestoo high, the quality of the generated light may be affected, and thelamp may also suffer damage, thereby reducing its operational life.

[0043] Accordingly, the controller 106 (typically a circuit board)comprises a suitably programmed CPU (central processing unit) 150,including both RAM 152 and ROM 154. The controller 106 is operativelycoupled to the power supply 104, both to draw power for the controller's106 operation, and also to regulate the supply of power to the coolingmechanism 110 and to control the application of power to the lightsource 10, in order to optimize the operating conditions of the lightsource 10. As will be understood, the controller 106 is also operativelycoupled to the control data interface 108, as well as the emitter 112.

[0044] The controller 106 is also operatively coupled to the datastorage device 20 (when a light source 10 is mounted in the device 100,as shown by the dotted outline in FIG. 2C), and is programmed todownload and update the run-time hours data 29 and the condition flags31 stored in the operational parameters memory 28, as well as todownload temperature data stored in the temperature memory 38 correlatedto the sensed temperature of the light source 10.

[0045] The CPU 150 also comprises an input/output module 157 whichcoordinates the transfer of data and command signals between thecontroller 106 and the other components 104, 108 and 112 of the device100, and is also programmed to utilize the one-wire communicationprotocol of the chip 26, to enable the transfer of data between thecontroller 106 and the data storage device 20.

[0046] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the CPU 150 alsocomprises a clock mechanism 156 which enables the CPU 150 to track time.The CPU 150 is programmed to track the number of hours of a lightgeneration period (in addition to the duration of a light emittingperiod). At the completion of a light generation period (oralternatively at some predetermined time interval), the CPU 150downloads the data stored in bits B0-B15 of the operational parametersmemory 28. As will be understood, the CPU 150 then masks out the threehighest order bits B13-B15, and adds the number of hours in thecompleted light generation period (rounded to the nearest hour) to thenumber (of run-time hours) retrieved from bits B--B12 of the operationalparameters memory 28. Again, through the use of masking, the updatednumber of run-time hours is stored in bits B0-B12.

[0047] In the event that the controller 106 receives a command signalfrom the control data interface 108 (by the user) to initiate ageneration period, the controller 106 downloads the temperature datafrom the temperature memory 38. The temperature data is then compared topreviously stored data correlated to the maximum striking temperaturefor the light source 10. If the sensed temperature data exceeds themaximum striking temperature data (indicating that the lamp is too hotfor striking), then the controller 106 will prevent the power supply 104from supplying power to the light source 10.

[0048] Similarly, the controller 106 will preferably be programmed toprevent the power supply 104 from supplying power to the light source 10if the number of run-time hours for the light source 10 stored inoperational parameters memory 28 exceeds a predetermined optimal number,such as two thousand five hundred (2500) hours.

[0049] Once a light generation period has commenced, power is suppliedto the light source 10, which begins to warm up. If the generationperiod is terminated before the light source 10 has sufficiently warmedup, the light source 10 may suffer damage. Accordingly, the controller106 is preferably programmed to set premature termination bit B15 in theoperational parameters memory 28 to ‘1’ if a light generation period hasbeen terminated less than two minutes before it commenced (ie. beforethe light source 10 has completely warmed up).

[0050] At all times, the CPU 150 continuously monitors the operation ofthe light source 10. The CPU 150 repeatedly downloads the sensedtemperature of the light source 10 from the temperature memory 38. Thetemperature memory 38 is updated by the sensor 36, when the sensor 36receives a command signal from the CPU 150 to do so. Alternatively, thesensor 36 may be configured to automatically update the temperaturememory 38 on regular intervals.

[0051] During a light generation period, if the temperature dataretrieved from the temperature memory 38 is greater than a predeterminedmaximum value (indicating that the light source 10 is operating at atemperature higher than a predetermined maximum level), the controller106 generates a control signal to the power supply 104 to discontinueproviding power to the light source 10, and thereby terminate thegeneration period. Such an automatic shutdown reduces the risk that thelight source 10 might explode, and helps prevent extraordinarydegradation of the operational life of the light source 10. Thecontroller 106 is preferably programmed to then set maximum temperaturebit B13 to ‘1’.

[0052] If the sensed temperature does not exceed the predeterminedmaximum level, the controller 106 multiplies the sensed temperature by apredetermined cooling mechanism voltage factor, to determine a coolingmechanism power voltage. The controller 106 then generates a commandsignal to the power supply 104 to supply power to the cooling mechanism110 at a voltage correlated to the determined cooling mechanism powervoltage. Accordingly, the supply of power to the cooling mechanism 110varies directly with the sensed temperature of the light source 10. Anincrease in the amount of power to the cooling mechanism 110 (typicallya fan), causes the cooling mechanism to circulate air, ventilatingwarmer air from inside the device housing 102 and drawing in cooler airfrom outside the housing 102, causing a corresponding decrease in theoperating temperature of the light source 10. As the sensed temperatureof the light source 10 decreases, the voltage supplied to the coolingmechanism 110 correspondingly decreases, as well.

[0053] Instead of terminating the power supplied to the light source 10if the maximum temperature is exceeded, instead the CPU 150 may beprogrammed to issue a warning to the user about the excessive operatingtemperature via the control data interface 108—the user would then beable to make the decision whether or not to terminate the lightgeneration period. If at any time the sensed temperature exceeds apredetermined maximum operating temperature, as noted, the CPU 150appropriately flags this condition by setting bit B13 to “1”, at the endof the generation period when the operational parameters memory 18 isupdated.

[0054] The light emitting device 100 with the light source 10 is used inmuch the same manner as known light emitting devices (such as the devicedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,392, issued to Kennedy et al.).However, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a user mayreview the data stored in the operational parameters memory 28 throughthe use of the control data interface 108. In most instances, the userwill specifically be interested in determining the number of run-timehours that the light source 10 has undergone (stored in bits B0-B12 ofthe operational parameters memory 28), as well as the expected number ofoperational run-time hours remaining in the life of the light source 10.The user may also be interested in reviewing the sensed temperaturedata, stored in the temperature memory 38.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a schematic sideview of a hand held light emitting device, shown generally as 160, withthe light source 50 operationally coupled to the device 160.

[0056] Light emitting device 160 comprises a device housing 162, a powersupply 164, a controller 166, a control data interface 168, a coolingmechanism 170 (typically a fan), an emitter 172, and a light sourcetemperature sensor 174.

[0057] Preferably, the controller 166, the control data interface 168,and the power supply 164 will be substantially similar to the controller106, control data interface 108 and power supply 104 of the lightemitting device 100 of FIG. 2A, although the control data interface 168will likely be smaller in size. Additionally, the light emittingstart/stop button 134 will typically be replaced by a trigger mechanism175. The controller 166 also differs somewhat in that it has beenprogrammed to download and store operational parameters data from andstore updated data in addressable memory locations on the nonvolatileRAM chip 62, as will be understood by one skilled in the art.Additionally, the controller 166 receives temperature data from thesensor 174, which is typically located proximate the mounted lightsource 50. The sensor 174 may be the digital thermostat chip no.DS1821S, manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a schematic viewof a reader device, shown generally as 200, to which a light source 10has been operatively coupled. The reader device 200 includes a readerhousing 202, a power supply 204, a controller 206 and a control datainterface 208 mounted on the housing 202.

[0059] The light source 10 is removably coupled to the reader device200. Power 30, ground 32 and data 34 leads are connected to thecontroller 206 via a releasable electrical connector 212 which isexternal to the housing 202. As will be understood, the controller 206converts power supplied by the power supply 204 to a voltage level whichthe chip 26 requires to operate.

[0060] The controller 206 comprises a suitably programmed CPU 216,including both RAM 218 and ROM 220. As will be understood by one skilledin the art, the CPU 216 is programmed to retrieve selected operationalparameter data stored in the operational parameters data storage 28,using one wire communications protocol. The CPU 216 also comprises aninput/output module 217 which is programmed to utilize the one-wirecommunication protocol of the chip 26, to enable the transfer of databetween the controller 206 and the data storage device 20.

[0061] While the controller 206 and power supply 204 are illustrated asbeing located in the housing 202, alternatively, it should be understoodthat with appropriate modifications the controller 206, and the powersupply 204 may form part of a standard computer, to which the reader 200is attached as an external device.

[0062] The control data interface 208 includes a display 222 and aninput panel of command buttons 224. The display 222 will typically be anLCD or LED panel capable of displaying alphanumeric data to the user,and the command buttons 224 typically include display mode 228 (similarto the display mode button 138 of FIG. 2B), as well as reset 230 (tocommence the transfer of data between the storage device 20 and thereader 200), and temperature 232 (which tests the temperature sensor 36of the light source 10), through which the user is able to input commandsignals to the controller 206. The command signals are received by thecontroller 206, and used to select operational parameter data stored inthe operational parameter memory 28 or alternately to obtain atemperature reading from the sensor 36, for display on the display 222.

[0063] Preferably, the controller also comprises a data I/O port 232,which may be connected to a remote computer. The operational parametersdata may then be downloaded to the remote computer and stored in adatabase of operational parameter data from other light sources forstatistical or other analyses.

[0064] In use, a light source, such as light source 10, is connected tothe reader 200, in the manner illustrated and described in reference toFIG. 4. Through the appropriate inputting of commands by depressingcommand buttons 224 in accordance with the information displayed on thedisplay 222, a user is able to review the light source's 10 operationalparameter data stored in the operational parameters data storage. Theuser is then able to review the light source's 10 number of run-timehours, as well as whether any of the condition flags have been setindicating that the light source 10 has been abused, and also to testthat the sensor 36 is working.

[0065] Thus, while what is shown and described herein constitutepreferred embodiments of the subject invention, it should be understoodthat various changes can be made without departing from the subjectinvention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

1. A light source comprising: (a) a light generator; (b) a sensor forsensing operational parameters of the light generator; (c) a lightsource data storage device permanently integrated with the lightgenerator and operatively coupled to the sensor, for storing operationalparameters data correlated to the operational parameters of the lightgenerator; and (d) a light source connector adapted to operativelycouple the light source to a light emitting device.
 2. The light sourceof claim 1 further comprising a light source housing, wherein the lightgenerator, the sensor and the light source data storage device are allmounted to the light source housing.
 3. The light source of claim 1,wherein the operational parameters comprise at least one type of dataselected from the group of data correlated to: run-time and lightgenerator temperature.
 4. The light source of claim 1, wherein theoperational parameters data comprise data correlated to whether or not apreselected maximum operating temperature of the light generator hasbeen exceeded during operation.
 5. The light source of claim 1, whereinthe light generator is selected from the following group of lightgenerators: a light emitting semiconductor, an LED, an array of LEDs, anincandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, a fluorescent bulb, and an arc lamp.6. A light source comprising: (a) a light generator, wherein the lightgenerator comprises a housing; (b) a light source connector adapted toreleasably operatively couple the light source to a light emittingdevice, the light emitting device comprising a controller for generatingoperational parameters data correlated to operational parameters of thelight source; and (c) a light source data storage device permanentlymounted to the housing; wherein the data storage device is adapted toreceive and store operational parameters data from the controller whenthe light source is operatively coupled to the light emitting device. 7.The light source of claim 6 further comprising a sensor for sensingoperational parameters of the light generator, wherein the sensor isoperatively coupled to the controller.
 8. The light source of claim 6,wherein the operational parameters comprise at least one type of dataselected from the group of data correlated to: run-time and lightgenerator temperature.
 9. The light source of claim 6, wherein theoperational parameters data comprise data correlated to whether or not apreselected maximum operating temperature of the light generator hasbeen exceeded during operation.
 10. The light source of claim 6, whereinthe light generator is selected from the following group of lightgenerators: a light emitting semiconductor, an LED, an array of LEDs, anincandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, a fluorescent bulb, and an arc lamp.11. A light source reader in combination with the light source of claim1, the light source reader comprising: (a) a reader housing; (b) acontroller for selectively retrieving the operational parameters datafrom the light source data storage device; (c) a reader connector forreleasably operationally coupling the controller to the light sourcedata storage device; and (d) a power source mounted to the readerhousing and operatively coupled to the controller.
 12. The light sourcereader of claim 11, further comprising a display operatively coupled tothe controller for selectively displaying image data correlated toselected operational data.
 13. The light source reader of claim 11,further comprising a control data interface.
 14. A light emitting devicein combination with a light source, the light source comprising: (a) alight generator; (b) a sensor for sensing operational parameters of thelight generator; (c) a light source data storage device integrated withthe light generator and operatively coupled to the sensor, for storingoperational parameters data correlated to the operational parameters ofthe light generator; and (d) a light source connector adapted tooperatively couple the light source to a light emitting device; whereinthe light emitting device comprises: (e) a device housing; a socketadapted to releasably engage the light source connector, wherein thesocket is mounted to the device housing; (g) a controller for retrievingthe operational parameters data from the light source data storagedevice; wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the socket; and(h) a power source mounted to the device housing and operatively coupledto the controller and to the socket.
 15. The light source of claim 14,wherein the operational parameters comprise at least one type of dataselected from the group of data correlated to: run-time and lightgenerator temperature.
 16. The light source of claim 14, wherein theoperational parameters data comprise data correlated to whether or not apreselected maximum operating temperature of the light generator hasbeen exceeded during operation.
 17. The light source of claim 14,wherein the light generator is selected from the following group oflight generators: a light emitting semiconductor, an LED, an array ofLEDs, an incandescent bulb, a halogen bulb, a fluorescent bulb, and anarc lamp.
 18. A light source comprising: (a) a light generator; and (b)a non-volatile light source data storage device integrated with thelight generator, for storing operational parameters data correlated tothe operational parameters of the light generator.
 19. The light sourceas claimed in claim 18, wherein said light source data storage devicestores operational parameters data associated only with said lightgenerator.
 20. The light source as claimed in claim 18, furthercomprising a light source connector adapted to releasably operativelycouple the light source to a light emitting device.
 21. The light sourceas claimed in claim 18, wherein said light source data storage device ismounted to the light generator.
 22. The light source as claimed in claim18, wherein said light source data storage device is inseparablyintegrated with the light generator.
 23. The light source as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said light source data storage device is permanentlyaffixed to the light generator.